Singaporean jailed 13 years in Batam for sexual assault

PHOTO: The Star/Asia News Network

A Singaporean national received a sentence of 13 years’ imprisonment and a Rp 100 million (S$9,600) fine for sexual assault in Batam on Thursday.

The man, Mohammad Asri bin Sapuan, 46, was found guilty of assaulting three minors in September 2017.

His victims, aged 12, 15 and 16, previously took art courses at Mohammad’s house in Batam.

The parents of one of the children grew suspicious of Mohammad after reading a text message in their child’s cellphone. Following a discussion with their child to find out more information about Mohammad, the parents filed a police report.

He was arrested in October 2017.

Judges found him guilty of violating Article No. 76/2014 on child protection.

He was also found guilty of overstaying his visa while in Batam. The police said his passport was last stamped by the immigration office on Jan. 30, 2014.

Mohammad, who fell into tears after the sentence was read, said he was ready to accept his punishment.